Central nervous system [CNS] toxicity caused by metal poisoning: Brain as a target organ

People relate the neural disorders with either inheritance or psychological violence but there might be some other reasons responsible for the ailment of people that do not have such a background. The present study explains the chronic effect of heavy toxic metals on nervous system. During experimentation, rabbits used as laboratory animals, were given test metals in their diet. Concentration of metals given to them in the diet was less than their tolerable dietary intake. Behavioral changes were observed during experimentation. Periodic increase in the metal concentration was seen in the blood sample of rabbits. They were slaughtered after a period of eight months of slow poisoning. Histological examination of brain tissues was performed. The brain samples were analyzed by Atomic absorption spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry to find the retention of heavy metals in mammalian brain. Concentration of lead, mercury and cadmium in the blood samples of occupationally exposed people and patients with neurological disorders at the time of neurosurgery was determined by using the same techniques. During circulation, toxic metals passes through the nerve capillaries to settle down in the brain. Heavy metals cross the blood brain barrier and 'may retain themselves in it. Brain tumors and biopsy samples of patients with neurological disorder were also analyzed to relate neurotoxicity and heavy metal poisoning. Results obtained shows that lead, mercury and cadmium retain themselves in the brain for longer period of time and are one of the causes of neurotoxicity

Synthesis, characterization and bioevaluation of technetium-99m labeled N-[2-Hydroxybenzyl]-2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose as a tumor imaging agent

N-[2-Hydroxybenzyl]-2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose [NHADG] was synthesized by conjugation of salicylaldehyde to glucosamine. The obtained compound was well characterized via different analytical techniques. Labeling of the synthesized compound with technetium-99m [[99m]Tc] in pertechnetate form [[99m]TcO4[-]] was carried out via chelation reaction in the presence of stannous chloride dihydrate. Maximum radiochemical yield of [99m]Tc-NHADG complex [99%] was obtained by using 1 mg NHADG, 200 micro g SnCl[2].2H[2]O, at pH 9.5 and reaction time of 15 min. The radiochemical purity of the [99m]Tc-NHADG complex was measured by Instant Thin Layer Chromatography [ITLC] and Paper Chromatography [PC], without any notable decomposition at room temperature over a period of 4h. The biological evaluation results show that the [99m]Tc labeled NHADG conjugate is able to specifically target mammary carcinoma in mice models, thus highlighting its potential as an effective [99m]Tc labeled glucose-derived agent for tumor imaging

Preliminary evaluation of antimicrobial activity of cream formulated with essential oil of Trachyuspermum ammi

In our present research we studied physiochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of T. ammi [Trachyuspermum ammi] seeds. The seeds yielded 2.86% essential oil. Refractive index, specific gravity, acid value, and easter values were 1.496, 0.9212, 1.12 and 2.80 respectively. GLC was used to determine the composition of oil. The major component of oil was Thymol [55.308%]. Antimicrobial activity of the oil was carried out against four species of bacteria and fungs. The oil was used to formulate a cream and the pH, physiochemical stability, phase separation and dermal irritation of cream were investigated. The cream was examined for healing wound in rabbits in comparison with Iodine tincture

low cost digital infant incubator

In modern times the care of new born, especially the premature, the small for dates, or otherwise vulnerable infant has been greatly improved by the invention of the isolette incubator. However the cost of an infant care incubator is prohibitively high for poor and low income countries. We set out to develop an economical machine which should not only have the usual features, but also should have the ability to run, if electrical power fails.Our design required that it should be, safe to use and be run on 12 volt batteries to make it immune to frequent power breakdowns, it should be a sturdy, shock proof and a durable machine. It should have the provision of its own light source to provide for an emergency light for observation of the baby in case of power failure or during transport. Design should be such that it should be easy to repair with conveniently available parts. The design has a microcontroller, at its heart receiving input from Analog to Digital Convertor [ADC]. It provides the efficient functional control of temperature and humidity simultaneously. It will send signals to keep the heating and humidity in control at the same time feeding signals to LCD display.The product has turned out to be a very well functioning machine as shown in the figure. The prototype is economical to make and meets our initial aims. But we intend to improve upon it in our next model and make it a commercially viable and a more useful machine